Fenestration in Nature: A Lesson in Inner Transformation for Personal Growth

Happy 2025 - May You Find Your Ikigai

Nature is one of the most profound teachers. It often mirrors the patterns of our growth, resilience, and ability to adapt. As I sat at my breakfast table facing the beach last week in Phuket, I noticed how the trees in front of me had leaves with holes in them. One would usually not even pay attention to this, but upon noticing the leaves I quickly asked ChatGPT why some leaves have holes in them. Totally random question to ask ChatGPT on a holiday, but my curiosity doesn’t let me be. So this piece is inspired by what I learned about the leaves. Hope you enjoy reading & wish you a very Happy 2025!

The reason why the leaves have holes in them is a phenomenon called fenestration—the natural formation of holes or slits in the leaves of certain plants, like the iconic Swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa). These perforations aren’t just aesthetic; they serve a deeper purpose, perfectly tailored to the plant’s survival in its environment.

Here’s something worth pondering: what if this natural adaptation holds a mirror to our own journeys? Just as these plants evolve by creating space within themselves to thrive, our personal and professional growth often requires similar inner transformation—shedding old patterns, creating openings, and letting light in.

Here’s how the phenomenon of fenestration offers timeless lessons for us, as individuals and leaders, striving to navigate challenges and embrace change.

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1. Adapting to Challenges: Bending Without Breaking

In the dense rainforests where fenestrated plants thrive, survival is a challenge. Sunlight is limited, rain is relentless, and winds can be fierce. These plants evolve by adapting, creating slits and holes in their leaves to reduce resistance, allow water to drain, and ensure sunlight reaches lower leaves.

Isn’t this exactly what life throws at us? Whether it’s setbacks in business, personal failures, or external uncertainties, challenges come at us like unrelenting storms. Growth doesn’t come from resisting or avoiding them; it comes from embracing the winds of change and bending with them. It’s in this resilience that we find our strength—not by being rigid, but by flowing and adapting.

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2. Letting the Light In

The perforations in fenestrated leaves are not just about survival—they’re about flourishing. These openings allow light to pass through, ensuring that the plant as a whole thrives, not just the uppermost leaves.

In our own lives, “letting the light in” is about allowing ourselves to be open—open to new ideas, perspectives, and even vulnerability. Inner transformation often begins with self-reflection: acknowledging past wounds, learning from failure, and making space for growth. When we let in light, we not only nourish ourselves but create an environment where others can thrive with us.

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3. Efficiency Over Perfection

Fenestrated plants conserve their energy by not growing full, solid leaves where they don’t need to. This efficiency allows them to thrive in challenging environments without wasting resources.

As professionals, entrepreneurs, and creators, how often do we chase perfection at the expense of progress? We hold onto outdated habits, fears, or grudges, thinking they make us complete. Real transformation happens when we let go of what no longer serves us, channeling our energy toward what truly matters. We don’t have to be perfectly “solid” to succeed—efficiency and purpose are what truly drive impact.

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4. Resilience Through Vulnerability

At first glance, the holes in a leaf might seem like a flaw. But they are, in fact, its greatest strength. By allowing air to pass through, the leaves avoid tearing under strong winds.

In our lives, vulnerability often feels like a risk. But it is through vulnerability that we discover resilience. Opening ourselves to new experiences, admitting our flaws, and owning our struggles builds the foundation for meaningful personal and professional growth. It’s not weakness; it’s the core of authentic leadership and innovation.

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Becoming Our Best Selves

Whether it’s a fenestrated leaf surviving a tropical storm or an entrepreneur navigating the complexities of building a legacy, the principle is the same: to grow, we must adapt. Growth is an inside job. It requires us to identify what’s holding us back, create space for new possibilities, and allow light, energy, and resilience to flow through.

Our strength lies not in perfection but in embracing the changes that make us thrive.

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The India Opportunity: Lessons in Growth

As we dive deeper into The India Opportunity, whether it’s about startups, investments, or leadership, this lesson from nature serves as a poignant reminder. Growth and innovation are not always about rapid external expansion—they’re also about creating space within to allow for the new. The sectors shaping India’s future—renewable energy, tech, marketplaces, manufacturing—are thriving because they’re embracing transformation, just like these plants.

So, the question is: are you creating your own “fenestrations” to let the light in? Sending this on the 1st of the new year, so that you can get inspired to create your moments of fenestration through the rest of the year.

Have a wonderful year ahead! Lots of amazing content coming your way soon. As always, thanks for the love and support - immensely grateful for it everyday!